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Committee hears bill to allow paid backup-shooter license for bear hunts
Summary
Representative Fairbairn presented House Bill 4937 to allow a designated backup shooter (purchased license) to dispatch a bear that was legally shot but remains alive, arguing it would increase safety for hunters, handlers and vulnerable participants; opponents cautioned it was unnecessary and could change hunting dynamics.
Lansing — House Bill 4937, sponsored by Representative Fairbairn, was presented to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism. The bill would permit a Michigan resident (for an additional $50) or nonresident (for $250) to purchase a backup-shooter license to accompany licensed bear hunters and legally dispatch a wounded bear that has not yet expired.
Fairbairn told the committee the measure "would add a significant level of safety" when a bear is wounded and does not expire immediately. "Having a backup shooter legally shoot the animal if it has not yet expired would add a significant level of safety and prevent it from running headlong into…
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